Muslim wins right to new tribunal

A former special school assistant who claims he was racially discriminated against at work has won the right to a new employment tribunal hearing.

An appeals body has allowed a challenge by Mohamed Loke, from Aston in Birmingham, to an earlier employment tribunal's rejection of his claim.

He claimed he was not allowed to pray at his local mosque while he worked at Calthorpe Special School in 2003.

The appeals body said the first hearing had not fully explained its reasons.

Learning difficulties

Mr Loke told the earlier hearing he believed he was racially discriminated against because it was every male Muslim's duty to attend Friday prayers.

Calthorpe School caters for children with severe and profound learning difficulties.

The school claimed that on 9 June, 2003, Mr Loke was responsible for one-on-one care for a pupil and was told he could not attend prayers, but did anyway.

The original tribunal found the school's treatment of Mr Loke was justified.